Step Out of the Boat: Student Faith in Action
Episode 16 | 18 Minutes | April 24, 2025
In this episode, Brenna Carson sits down with Dr. Charles Perabeau, Dean of the School of Theology and Christian Ministry at Olivet Nazarene University, to explore the transformative power of short-term mission trips. Charles shares stories from his recent team’s experience in Ecuador with One Collective, reflects on the spiritual growth that comes through vulnerability and cross-cultural engagement, and offers heartfelt encouragement to anyone considering stepping out in faith. Whether you're a student, leader, or simply curious about missions, this conversation is a rich reminder of how God works through our willingness to go.
In this Episode:
Charles Perabeau shares his journey from sociology professor to Dean of Theology, and how his own study abroad experience shaped his faith and career.
Inside the Ecuador mission trip: hear how students partnered with a local church and helped build bridges in the community, including a meaningful connection with a local high school.
Students using their unique gifts—from construction to art—to serve and connect in deeply personal and lasting ways.
The power of vulnerability: how stepping outside comfort zones opens students to deeper faith, awareness, and spiritual transformation.
A call to action: Charles encourages listeners to “step out of the boat” and trust God’s leading, especially when the outcome is uncertain.
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Dr. Charles Perabeau is the Dean of the School of Theology and Christian Ministry at Olivet Nazarene University. With over two decades of teaching experience, including 17 years in sociology, Charles brings a unique interdisciplinary lens to ministry and education. An Olivet alum himself, he has a deep love for cross-cultural engagement and spiritual formation, having led numerous student trips alongside his wife. Charles is passionate about helping students step outside their comfort zones to discover how God might be calling them—whether across borders or right in their own communities.
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Brenna Carson:
Hello, Charles. Welcome, and thank you for being here.Charles Perabeau:
Brenna, it’s a pleasure. Thanks for having me.Brenna Carson:
Charles, I’d love it if you could start by sharing a bit of your background—your role at Olivet, your educational journey, and some of your involvement in the school.Charles Perabeau:
Absolutely. I currently serve as the Dean of the School of Theology and Christian Ministry here at Olivet. I’m fairly new to this role—finishing up my third year—but I’ve been part of Olivet and Christian higher ed for quite some time. I’ve taught here for 20 years, spending 17 of those in sociology before transitioning to theology.My wife and I have led a number of student trips over the years. We actually met in college on a study abroad program, so travel has been a meaningful part of our relationship and ministry.
I’m an Olivet grad myself—I majored in Romance Languages and Religion & Philosophy. I went on to graduate studies at Loyola University in Chicago and at Drew University, a Methodist school in New Jersey.
Brenna Carson:
That’s amazing. I love that you and your wife met on a study abroad trip and now lead these short-term teams together. Such a cool evolution of your journey together.Can you share more about your experiences leading spring break trips? Specifically, what value do these trips hold—for students and the communities they visit?
Charles Perabeau:
Absolutely. That first study abroad experience changed my life in so many ways. It deepened my understanding of faith and broadened my view of the world. I came back asking new questions, even changing my academic path to pursue grad school.Even if students can’t commit to a full semester abroad, short-term trips can still be life-changing. I love being part of these experiences because they often shift students’ trajectories. You can literally see the “aha” moments on their faces—moments that shape their faith, their sense of calling, and their understanding of missions.
These trips open students to new possibilities and help them reimagine how God can use them, both globally and locally.
Brenna Carson:
Yes, absolutely. Sometimes stepping into a different context helps us see the grandeur of God and opens our minds to new possibilities. You mentioned that vulnerability plays a big role in these experiences?Charles Perabeau:
Definitely. There’s something powerful about vulnerability. Whether it’s a student’s first time abroad or just a new place, everyone’s out of their comfort zone.That kind of environment makes us more aware of our dependence on God. It tunes our ears to what we might miss in our day-to-day routines. Being removed from our usual context helps us listen more deeply—to God, to others, and to ourselves.
Brenna Carson:
That's a great point. I’d love to hear more specifically about your most recent trip with One Collective. How did you get involved with that team, and what did the experience look like?Charles Perabeau:
Well, it had been a while since we last led a spring break team—the last time was March 2020. That was the week COVID-19 hit full force. We were scrambling to get our team home safely.After a few years off, I felt prompted to step back into it. I reached out to the campus leader who oversees our trips and said, “If there’s a need, we’re available.” No specific destination in mind—just a willingness.
Our university had worked with One Collective the previous year and had a great experience, so they were hoping to continue that partnership in a new location. That led to our trip to Ecuador, where we partnered with a local church in an indigenous community outside of Otavalo.
We visited homes, helped with community outreach, and even got the rare opportunity to visit a public high school nearby—something the church had been trying to do for years. The visit went so well that the principal invited us back, opening the door for a stronger relationship between the church and the school. That was incredibly encouraging.
Brenna Carson:
Wow, that’s incredible. And such a testament to the importance of working alongside existing local ministries. Were there any specific moments or students that stood out to you during the trip?Charles Perabeau:
Yes, several. First, I have to say that One Collective was amazing to work with. Their thoughtful planning and support allowed me to focus more on the students and what God was doing, rather than logistics. That was a gift.One student with a construction background connected deeply with the local pastor, who was also doing some light building work. They became inseparable—like co-pilots. Another student, who’s artistic, got permission to paint a mural at the church. It became this beautiful expression of his gifts and a blessing to the community.
Each student seemed to find their own way to contribute meaningfully, using the unique gifts God had given them. It was exactly the kind of partnership we were hoping for—not coming in as outsiders to take over, but to support and encourage what God is already doing through the local church.
Brenna Carson:
That’s such a beautiful picture. Did you have any students with a personal connection to Ecuador?Charles Perabeau:
Yes, actually. One student on our team is from Ecuador. This trip opened her eyes to parts of her own country that she hadn’t seen before. It was powerful for her to witness God at work in a new way, close to home.We even got to meet her family while we were there, which made the experience even richer. She was moved—surprised, even—by what God was doing in places she hadn’t previously known.
Brenna Carson:
That’s such a great reminder of how God is always at work around us, even in places we think we know.As we close, what encouragement would you offer someone who’s thinking about signing up for a short-term mission trip, but is still on the fence?
Charles Perabeau:
Two images come to mind. One is Peter stepping out of the boat—onto the water, into uncertainty. The other is from the Israelites crossing into the Promised Land. The waters of the Jordan didn’t part until they stepped in.If you’re hesitant—worried about finances, unsure if you can handle the experience—take the step anyway. I’ve never had a student come back and say, “I wish I hadn’t gone.” It’s always the opposite.
So if you’re sensing a nudge, it might be the Holy Spirit prompting you. Step out of the boat. You might just be stepping into something transformative.
Brenna Carson:
That’s such a powerful way to end. Thank you so much, Charles, for sharing your time, your wisdom, and your heart. I know this conversation will inspire and encourage many.Charles Perabeau:
Thank you. It’s been a joy to be here.